At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to analyse data, support training, or manage operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: VPZ, the UK's leading vape retailer with over 190 locations and a commitment to growth.
- Benefits: Career progression, professional development, and a chance to make an impact from day one.
- Other info: Drivers licence required; ideal for proactive individuals eager to learn and collaborate.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with diverse pathways and hands-on experience in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates in Business, Management, Technology, or related fields with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
About us
VPZ is the UK’s number one vape retailer. Since opening our first store in Edinburgh, we've expanded to over 190 locations across the UK and we're not stopping there. We are known for setting and driving the standards within the vape industry, this is a great time to join us as we continue to grow our team.
About the Role
Our Graduate vacancies offer three distinct career pathways within our Retail and Head Office environments. These roles provide a strong foundation for a successful career by giving you a genuine chance of progression, professional development, and the opportunity to make an impact from day one.
Choose Your Pathway
- Pathway 1: Retail Operations - Edinburgh
Work directly with senior retail leadership to translate data into actionable business strategies. You will combine data analysis with day to day operational support to help highlight opportunities for store performance improvement.
Key Responsibilities: Analyse retail performance data, produce regular reports and dashboards, monitor KPIs, and provide data driven recommendations to enhance sales and efficiency.
Ideal For: Business, Economics, or Data Analytics graduates with strong Excel skills and a curious mindset focused on commercial trends. Drivers licence required.
- Pathway 2: Learning & Development - Kilmarnock
Launch a career in training and people development. You will play a key role in ensuring our retail teams have the skills and knowledge to excel, helping drive a culture of continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
Key Responsibilities: Support onboarding, assist with creating engaging e-learning and workshop content, identify store development needs, and track training effectiveness.
Ideal For: Graduates with a strong interest in HR, training, or retail management who possess creative content design ideas and excellent presentation skills. Drivers licence required.
- Pathway 3: Head Office Operations - Edinburgh
Gain a broad, cross functional understanding of how a fast paced business operates. This pathway offers rotational exposure across multiple support departments, providing an ideal foundation for future leadership.
Key Responsibilities: Support day to day operations, coordinate marketing campaigns, handle maintenance logistics across the estate, and support customer service initiatives.
Ideal For: Adaptable, highly organised graduates looking for a versatile role with exposure to operations, marketing, customer service and maintenance coordination.
Skills & Experience We Look For
- A recent graduate in Business, Management, Technology, Economics, Data Analytics, or a related discipline.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with the confidence to work alongside both store teams and senior stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast paced environment.
- Proficiency in digital tools and Microsoft Office applications (particularly PowerPoint and Excel).
- Previous retail or sales experience is highly preferred, though exposure to coaching, societies, or voluntary leadership is also an advantage.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, eager to learn, and willing to take ownership of projects.
- People oriented with a collaborative, hands‑on approach to teamwork.
- Resilient and comfortable adapting to an ever‑changing retail landscape.
Graduate vacancies employer: VPZ
VPZ is an exceptional employer, offering graduates a unique opportunity to kickstart their careers in a dynamic and rapidly growing environment. With pathways in Retail Operations and Learning & Development, employees benefit from a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact from day one. Our supportive work culture, combined with a commitment to employee growth and a vibrant team atmosphere in locations like Edinburgh and Kilmarnock, makes VPZ a fantastic place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate vacancies
✨Get Visible in Your Community
Retail hiring often happens locally, so don’t hesitate to stroll into shops like VPZ with your CV in hand. Engage with the staff—show them your enthusiasm and ask about any openings. It’s all about making a memorable impression, so don’t shy away from being friendly!
✨Join Retail Job Fairs
Local job fairs are a goldmine for entry-level retail positions. Keep an eye out for events in your area where VPZ might have a booth. This allows us to chat directly with hiring managers and get the inside scoop on what they're looking for!
✨Leverage Your Social Networks
Utilise social media platforms to let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for an entry-level retail gig. You’d be amazed at how many opportunities come from a simple post. Ask if anyone’s heard about openings at VPZ or similar spots—it’s all about tapping into your network!
✨Look for Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often ramps up staffing during holiday seasons, so keep an eye out for temporary positions. Get in touch with VPZ around times like Christmas or Black Friday. Applying for seasonal roles can sometimes lead to permanent positions if you impress!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate vacancies
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, it's all about the customer experience! Make sure your CV highlights any previous customer service roles or relevant experiences. Whether it's a part-time gig or volunteering, include instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers to showcase your people skills.
Keep It Clear and Concise:Retail hiring managers sift through tons of applications, so get straight to the point. Tailor your CV to include key information like your availability and any retail experience, but make it easy to read. Bullet points and a tidy layout can make all the difference for those first impressions!
Craft a Friendly Cover Letter:Since this is an entry-level position, let your enthusiasm shine through in your cover letter! Mention why you're excited about working at VPZ specifically—people love to see a genuine connection. Talk about your willingness to learn and how you're ready to take on the challenges of retail.
Research and Refer to Retail Trends:Showing knowledge of the retail industry can set you apart! Briefly mention some current retail trends or issues in your application to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the market. It’ll show that you’re not just any applicant but someone who genuinely cares about the brand and its customers.
How to prepare for a job interview at VPZ
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the retail world, customer service is king! Get ready to share your experiences dealing with customers, whether it’s from previous jobs or volunteering. Think about examples where you handled tough situations or went the extra mile, as employers like VPZ want to see that you’ve got the people skills to keep their customers happy.
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before heading to your interview at VPZ, take a deep dive into their product range. If you have a particular brand or category you're passionate about, bring that enthusiasm to the conversation. Familiarising yourself with their values and bestsellers can really set you apart as someone who's not just looking for any job, but is genuinely interested in retail.
✨Dress the Part – Retail Style
For an entry-level role in retail, your appearance can say a lot about your understanding of the industry. Dress smart but relatable—think about what you'd wear on the shop floor. Showing that you understand the brand image of VPZ through your style can give you an edge right from the get-go.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Retail is all about teamwork! Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment at VPZ. Having stories that illustrate how you've worked well with others, whether in school projects or group activities, can showcase your collaborative spirit, which is crucial for an entry-level position.
